Check out these gorgeous kitchen counters in a lovely home in Austin, Texas. The outer counters are made out of Nova Blue limestone, an imported stone. The center island is made from Grey Lueders limestone from a local Texas quarry.

Nova Blue is usually found in tile for flooring and showers, and is often paired with bianco carrera marble or calacatta marble. It is often called Lagos Azul.

This Nova Blue limestone is velvety smooth and is a medium grey-brown with hints of blue. These counters are honed, which means they have a matte finish instead of the more tradtional polished finish you see on most kitchen counters.

Honed Countertops and Taking Care of Nova BLue Limestone

Honed surfaces take extra care during use to keep them from staining. Limestone in particular takes extra care to keep countertops looking good because it is softer and more porous than granite or marble. It also is more sensitive to chemicals and will react with vinegar, soft drinks and and juices that are spilled on the counters.

These characteristics mean that Grey Lueders and Nova Blue limestone counters are best suited to homes with owners that are meticulous and that do not heavily use the kitchen or leave spills on the counters.

Designing with Nova Blue Limestone

Despite the extra care required to keep them beautiful, you can see the obvious attraction for these countertops. They are simply beautiful – elegant, subtle, and compelling. In this Austin kitchen they have been paired with medium-grey painted cabinets. Nove Blue also looks marvelous with white cabinetry or with pale greys, or even pale tans and some natural wood tones.

The rest of this home is lovely shades of grey and tan, with heavily textured fabrics and ample task lighting. The overall feel is very much like the updated French stylings being showcased this season by Restoration Hardware.